Lions Draft Tracker: Our Boys Are Actually Making Smart Moves
Well, would you look at that. The Lions have nine draft picks to work with this year, and for once, it feels like we might not completely mess this up. Brad Holmes and company enter with pick No. 17 in the first round, No. 50 in the second, and seven more chances to either build something special or remind us why we can’t have nice things.
Here’s your one-stop tracker for everything the Lions do over these three days. Bookmark it, because you know you’re going to be refreshing this page like it’s your job.
Round 1, Pick 17: Blake Miller, RT, Clemson
The Lions went offensive line in the first round. Again. And you know what? I’m not even mad about it.
Miller brings 54 starts at right tackle from Clemson, which is the kind of experience that makes you think maybe, just maybe, we won’t be watching our quarterback get destroyed every Sunday. At 6-foot-7 and 318 pounds, he’s got the size. Dan Campbell has already said the team would move Penei Sewell to left tackle if the right guy presented himself, and Miller fits that bill.
Here’s what makes Miller different: the kid missed exactly one practice in four years at Clemson. One. And that was because he had wrist surgery. He was back the next day. That’s the kind of attitude that plays in Allen Park.
His 9.90 RAS score and ranking as the sixth-best player on the Grit Index tells you everything you need to know. This isn’t some project pick. This is a guy who can start from day one and not embarrass himself.
Trade Alert: Lions Move Up
Holmes traded picks No. 50 and 128 to the Jets to grab pick No. 44. Bold move, Brad. Let’s see if it pays off.
Round 2, Pick 44: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
A Michigan guy coming home to Detroit? You love to see it. Moore is the kind of edge rusher who sets a firm edge with power and violence, winning with pure effort. He should challenge DJ Wonnum for a starting spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson from the moment he walks into the building.
This pick makes sense on multiple levels. We needed edge help, Moore has the developmental floor to contribute immediately, and he knows what it means to play football in this state. Sometimes the simple picks are the right picks.
Round 4, Pick 118: Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
Another Wolverine heading to Ford Field. Rolder has limited starting experience, but the film shows a linebacker with great instincts and reaction timing. He flows to the football like he’s been doing this for years, can cover tight ends, and brings that violent hitting style Lions fans appreciate.
He’ll contribute on special teams right away while competing for a starting WILL linebacker role. Not bad for a fourth-round pick.
Round 5, Pick 157: Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
The Lions grabbed Abney in the fifth round despite national analysts considering him a top 100 pick. That’s the kind of value you hope to find on day three. He has inside-out range and can back up on the outside while challenging to start in the slot.
With a 9.07 score on the Grit Index, ranking in the top 30, Abney brings the competitive fire this defense needs. He’s a work in progress, but he has starter upside at a position where we need depth.
Another Trade: Lions Get Pick 168
Holmes sent picks No. 181 and 213 to Buffalo for pick No. 168. Moving up again to grab someone they clearly wanted.
Round 5, Pick 168: Kendrick Law, Slot/PR, Kentucky
Law brings 4.45 speed and projects better in NFL schemes than he did in college. He’s incredibly quick in his breaks and will give defenders fits trying to run with him across the field. Plus, there’s punt return upside and special teams value.
Sometimes you need guys who can do multiple things. Law fits that bill.
Still on the Clock
The Lions still have two picks remaining: Round 6, pick 205 and Round 7, pick 222. Holmes has shown he’s willing to trade up when he sees value, so don’t be surprised if we see more movement.
For a franchise that has spent decades making head-scratching draft decisions, this feels different. These picks make sense. They address needs, they bring the right kind of players to Allen Park, and they show Holmes understands what Dan Campbell is trying to build here.
Are we actually competent at this whole drafting thing now, or am I just setting myself up for disappointment again? Drop your take below.
